Bill Olson, a former coach of Omaha Northwest High School, died Saturday night, April 26, 2025, at an Omaha hospital at the age of 85.
The beloved figure in Omaha’s baseball community, Bill Olson, is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Sandra “Sandy” Olson, his daughter Tammi, and his son Gregg Olson.
Olson and Sandra, a 1967 Midland Lutheran graduate, were married for over six decades, or 64 to be precise.
Sandra had his back at all times, be it thick or thin, until he took his breath on Saturday.
While precise details surrounding Sandra remain unknown, she previously worked at Immanuel Medical Center.
Olson and Sandra’s son, Gregg Olson, who followed in his father’s footsteps, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who pitched for the Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles.
A former Northwest pitcher, Gregg, won four state titles at Northwest under his father’s guidance and became a 1989 American League Rookie of the Year. Likewise, he also earned a spot in the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame.
Hall of Famer Bill Olson Had A Successful Coaching Career For Over Two Decades With The Northwest Huskies!
Bill Olson, a Nebraska High School Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, coached the Northwest Huskies from 1971 to 1997.
During his 35-year coaching career, he led the team to six Class A state championships.
In 1983, his team, the Huskies, was ranked the No. 1 high school baseball team in the nation, achieving a remarkable 53-game winning streak.
Olson’s teams also won eight American Legion state titles, with a third-place finish at the 1985 national tournament.
With over 1,500 career wins and a winning percentage above .700, Olson’s impact extended beyond the field.
Thanks to his contributions, Olson earned several awards and recognitions. He earned the title of “National High School Baseball Coach of the Year” three times.
In 1997, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee recognized him as Development Coach of the Year for his contributions to the U.S. Junior National Team, which won bronze medals in 1996 and 1997.
Similarly, Olson was also inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the National High School Sports Hall of Fame, and the halls of fame for Midland University, Nebraska High School, and Omaha Public Schools.
After retiring from Northwest, Olson continued to shape young athletes as a pitching and catching coach at Creighton University and through his Strike Zone Baseball Academy in Omaha.
A native of Fremont, Nebraska, Olson graduated from Midland College, Fremont Senior High School, and Lewis Central Senior High School.
Meanwhile, details surrounding his funeral services has yet to be published by his family.
During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Olson’s beloved wife, kids, and extended family.
Rest In Peace, Bill Olson!
